Promoted to Promote

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.”—Daniel 2:48 (ESV)

In the wake of Daniel’s astounding revelation and interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the king gives the young prophet the great honor of setting him over the realm of Babylon. That’s quite the promotion!

But let’s back up a bit and get a fuller perspective on this promotion. Beneath the historical happenings recorded in the Book of Daniel, there’s a deeper narrative running through it: God is in control! 

Although Nebuchadnezzar may have been sitting on earth’s throne at this point in time, he was simply stewarding that position. God had arranged for him to be there to fulfill His greater purposes. Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t the one who promoted Daniel, God was!

This leads us to an important truth we can’t miss: God is the promoter, not man! The Lord may use an employer to validate some sort of earthly recognition. But that man or woman is not the author of anyone’s advancement. Their authority comes from a greater source than themselves. They’ve been entrusted with the power to promote by God, Himself (Psalm 75:6-7). 

Going back to Daniel’s example, we see something else worth noting: He was promoted after he promoted God. Daniel was very deliberate, before Nebuchadnezzar did anything for him in return, to direct all glory to God (Daniel 2:28). He’s decided from the outset he was going to promote God’s name. 

As we work through this book, we’re going to see Daniel do the same thing again and again. The man had simply made up his mind that he was placed on earth to glorify God; to promote Him whatever the circumstances. Nobody could ever confuse Daniel’s agenda. He was a promoter of the God who, in turn, promoted him.        

Daniel shows us that God promotes those who promote Him. We must remember this, especially if we’re seeking some sort of promotion in life. Our motives can be easily twisted in this arena. 

We want to experience a sense of progress, achievement, and advancement. That’s not necessarily wrong, but we need to examine why we want this. Is it for our own gratification or for the glory of God? Is it so we can extend our own platform of power and prestige, or so we have a greater opportunity to promote God through our lives? 

Promotion may not come in the way we expect or define it, but rest assured, God will expand the influence of those who are dedicated to promote Him.

DIG: What principle does Daniel’s example teach us about promotion in life?

DISCOVER: Why should we filter our motivations through this truth? 

DO: Think of ways you can be a greater promoter of God.